I am a resident of Strath…

I am a resident of Strath Ave. While I enjoy cycling, the bike lane infrastructure recently imposed across Bloor St and other major roads is unacceptable to me as a taxpayer.
1) There was no community consultation and no/improper analysis. The city council catered to specific interest groups and wittingly kept potential opposition in the dark. Meetings that were set up a year ago were set at rush hour in the far reaches of our area in a blatant effort to exclude opposing voices. Bike lobby groups were kept well informed.
2) The presentation by city staff at Etobicoke Collegiate in the spring was laughable. It was apparent that the traffic “studies” were insufficient and meaningless, yet were interpreted in a way to support the foregone conclusions. Staff was unprepared to answer intelligent questions.
3) The bike lanes (at least west of High Park), are rarely used. There is little/no need for them.
4) The environmental impact of the traffic stopping & starting, and idling more than offsets any gains.
5) It is dangerous to be a pedestrian, driver, or cyclist. With all the congestion it’s impossible to see properly around all the traffic and obstacles that have been installed.
6) There is no consistency throughout the city (and therefore it’s evident there is no real plan), in how these have been installed. All the white plastic markers and boulards are unsightly and as a visiting friend said have “ruined the charm of the neighborhood”.
7) I don’t care who city council gets to say that emergency vehicle response is unaffected, it is blatantly not true. I have been trapped in front of a fire truck on Bloor for several minutes with nowhere to go. The statement made at the last “community” meeting called by Amber Morley that response times have improved is misleading. In what specific area? Have more trucks or staff been added? Etc, etc….questions that couldn’t be answered.
8) Why host a community meeting, invite cycling lobby groups from outside the area, seat them up front and only answer their questions? No obligation to make sure you’re hearing from people actually living in the community?
9) Contractors and homeowners are having difficulty finding trades to come to the area due to traffic congestion. If they do find them, they are charging a premium!
10) It is almost impossible for a person who parks on Bloor St to safely exit their vehicle and cross the obstacles and bike lane to get to the sidewalk. What about someone with limited mobility? What about if we have snow this winter?
11) Goodbye Cafe Toronto. Something that was a big step forward and good for neighbourhood businesses and community spirit, gets reduced by about 75% or more so 5 cyclists/day can ride by?
12) It’s time to have a real transportation plan, using real experts and with community consultation before wasting more of our taxpayer money. How about a real subway system like other world class cities? Stop Toronto City Council’s war on cars when they haven’t done their due diligence or come up with an informed infrastructure plan.
*PS I would have set up an account but it wasn’t clear to me whether or not my name/email address would be seen by just the department reviewing this matter, or the general public.